125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1830		LR 2736(03)
	An Act To Establish the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "   "
	Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Legislative Cost/Study Contingent future biennium savings - General Fund
Legislative Cost/Study
	The general operating expenses of this study are projected to be $6,500 in fiscal year 2012-13 based on an assumption of 4 interim meetings for the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.  Each interim meeting of the committee would cost approximately $1,625.  The Legislature's proposed budget includes $10,000 in fiscal year 2012-13 for legislative studies.  Whether this amount is sufficient to fund all studies will depend on the number of studies authorized by the Legislative Council and the Legislature.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This legislation proposes to establish the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry contingent upon completion of various activities outlined in the legislation, including submission of proposed changes to legislation to the 126th Legislature to consolidate existing law.  If this contingency is met, General Fund savings would be realized in fiscal year 2013-14 from the elimination of one Commissioner of Conservation position.